Rutland County Councils Rights of ways officer has received a number of complaints
from resident after Oakham Town Council permitted a visiting circus to obstruct a
public right off way.
The Clerk Allison Greaves was aware of the issue yesterday and decided it was a matter
for Rutland County Council to deal with.
Today she wrote to all Councillors letting them know Rutland County Council was
requiring a temporary path costing £700 +VAT
She also lets us know a Councillor made a formal complaint, I don't know who
that was.
I think we are lucky the cost is only £700 The Council could have been prosecuted.
The hosting of the circus has now cost the tax payers money. The rent is only £500
and there is the addition of the free electricity which is being paid for by the tax payer.
The council has no proper procedures to supervise lettings or events like this and
does no risk assessment.
The circus tent has been erected the wrong way around and the
right of way is obstructed by supporting wires and two portable
toilets for customers.
I am wondering where they empty the portable loos?
Dear Members
From the entrance near to Odd House corner (Burley Road) the Circus have some supporting cables fixed across the main footpath and due to health and safety have closed off a small section of the path.
The office was in the process of dealing with it, however, a formal complaint was made to RCC by a OTC Councillor and therefore they were legally bound to act upon it and have instructed us to install a trackway purely as a walkway for pedestrian use.
As Clerk I have used my delegated powers and have authorised RCC who will be engaging a contractor to go ahead with delivery and installation tomorrow at a sum of £700 + vat.
Allison Greaves | Town Clerk
Oakham Town Council, Victoria Hall, 39 High Street, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6JD
01572 723627 | agreaves@oakhamtowncouncil.gov.uk
Dear Cllr Brookes
Further to your conversation with my colleague this afternoon and your previous call regarding the circus blocking footpath E206 through cutts close, I can confirm that I have discussed the issue with Alison Greaves at the Town Council and a plan has been put in place to resolved the issue.
At Rutland County Council’s insistence temporary Trackway is being put over the grass around the blockage to form a safer alternative for pedestrians. It is an offence to block a Public Right of Way, we could not temporarily close the footpath as a planned event such as the circus is not classed as an emergency and therefore the trackway was considered the best solution.
I hope this addresses your query.
Regards
Helen | Assistant Public Rights of Way Officer
Rutland County Council
Catmose, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6HP
t: 01572 758135 | f: 01572 758307
